Description
Brother Lafayette by B. Chris Ruli
Brother
Lafayette examines the life and Masonic career of a truly unique American hero–Gilbert
Du Motier, the Marquis de Lafayette.
In August 1824, Lafayette arrived in New York City for what became his final goodwill tour of America. Throughout his thirteen-month trip, a tapestry of parades, banquets, concerts, and public honors unfolded, befitting the last surviving major general of the American Revolution. The country’s Freemasons played a pivotal role in welcoming Lafayette and embraced him not just as a soldier and statesman but as a fellow Mason. In Brother Lafayette, Ruli delves into the Marquis’ often misunderstood connection to the world’s oldest fraternity. With special access to rare Masonic documents, proceedings, newspapers, diaries, and other resources, Ruli develops the most detailed account of Lafayette’s Masonic activities ever published.
“Brother
Lafayette is a wonderful book about a “superstar” from the early days of our
republic. Gen. Lafayette’s return visit to the US, from July 1824 to September
1825 was triumphant, and Bro. Ruli covers every Masonic event with carefully
detailed references. This book is fun to read and will help the reader
understand the importance of Bro. Lafayette to our country and Freemasonry. You
need a copy for your bookshelf and your lodge needs one in its library.”
. Brent Morris, Ph.D., PM
Patmos Lodge 70, Maryland and Quatuor Coronati Lodge 2076, England
The Marquis
de Lafayette’s triumphant American tour between 1824-25 took him to all 24
states, and in the decades following his visit, it seemed as though every
Masonic lodge in the country wanted to claim their members had some kind of
meaningful contact with the legendary general and Freemason. Now, Chris Ruli
has done a deep dive into the itineraries, letters, diaries, minute books and
press reports of the time to create a full and definitive account of Bro.
Lafayette’s Masonic contacts and travels throughout his famed trip. The result
is a detailed, fascinating and eminently absorbing travelogue with a uniquely
Masonic focus.”
Chris
Hodapp, Editor (Emeritus) of the Journal of the Masonic Society, Associate Director, Masonic Library and
Museum of Indiana